Breed Information: Rottweiler

Breed Description: Rottweilers are large, powerful dogs with a substantial build and equally great endurance and agility. They have a calm, self-assured expression and give the impression of great power, which they easily back up with their powerfully muscular bodies. Their devotion to family and strong territorial instinct makes them excellent guard dogs. Rottweilers are a loyal dog breed that when trained and handled properly, make good protectors and companions for the family.

Group: Working group.

Purpose of Breed: Driving cattle, guard dog

Country of Origin: Germany

Average Size: Dogs range from 24 inches to 27 inches and 95 to 135 pounds, and bitches range from 22 inches to 25 inches and 80 to 100 pounds.

Coat Type: Rottweilers have a course, flat thick outer coat of medium length and an undercoat of fine hair.

Grooming: This breed is an average shedder and requires brushing only once or twice a week to maintain its sleek coat. Standard care is required for eyes, ears, pads and nails.

Exercise Needs: Rottweilers are an intelligent dog that needs frequent exercise and mental challenges to maintain their health and well-being. These dogs are very territorial and bred to be suspicious of strangers. They cannot discern between "brother or burglar," and should not be kept in a fenced area near foot traffic.

Temperament: The Rottweiler is a formidable guard dog, and when trained to protect it can be dangerous to intruders-both people and animals. The independent and strong-willed nature of this breed requires strong leadership on the part of the owner and firm training starting at an early age. Although this breed is loyal to family, it should always be supervised when around small children.

Common Ailments: Susceptible to bloat, parvo virus and hip dysplasia.

Life Expectancy: Averages 8-11 years.

Trivia: The Rottweiler was mobilized during the First World War to serve as an auxiliary to the German army.

I wish that people would include in rottweiller temperaments, that they can be good family pets if raised that way. Our rottweiller loves most people and especially children. We found her on the side of the road, pregnant, and have never had any temperament problems with her around anyone, including other household pets. It is a shame that they have such a reputation, as do other breeds, and people forget that many mean animals are that way because they were trained for it.

I agree. I just adopted an adult female Rottie from the SPCA. SHe was skinny and sick but her temperament is SO SWEET! I haven't had any concerns with her at all and she's been in my house for about a month.

We have a rottie and she is a loveable, obedient, calm, protective dog. She is leary of strangers and doesn't warm up to people until she knows she can trust them. We've had her since she was 9 weeks and she has NEVER been destructive or mean with anyone, including children. She is very intelligent and we will definately recommend this breed to anyone that wants a good family dog.